Verem naval base gets state’s first deposit refund machine

Panaji: Goa’s first reverse vending machine to collect specific items under the deposit refund scheme was installed at the naval base INS Mandovi, at Verem, in partnership with the naval station’s environment wing.

Recykal, the private agency appointed to implement the deposit refund scheme, conducted a special presentation and a live demonstration for naval personnel and their families. The live demonstration aimed to help residents of the naval base understand how the machine works and how people can return waste and get refunds.

“We are delighted to partner with Goa DRS for this meaningful initiative. The reverse vending machine at INS Mandovi is a significant step towards building environmental consciousness within the naval community. We reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and encourage everyone, naval families and citizens alike, to do their bit towards making Goa cleaner and greener,” said Shefali Nair, president of the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association - Mandovi.

Govt has yet to finalise the date for rolling out the deposit refund scheme across the state.

More than 130 village panchayats have already issued permissions for the installation of reverse vending machines, while six municipal bodies have signed up for the scheme’s implementation.

Through this initiative, govt hopes to make Goa a pioneer in building a citizen-friendly, circular economy for beverage packaging and multi-layer packaging.

Reverse vending machines were also placed for live demonstrations at the Panaji KTC bus stand for a day for commuters to become familiar with the concept.